Whether it's the red stamp mark or fashion accessories showing support for a specific party, social media will likely be trending with people posting proof they cast their vote on April 10, the general election day.

There is definitely a unique culture here when it comes to the elections, like the noisy promotion vans circling the streets, people stamping on their hands as well as the ballot just to show their friends they voted, and also people voting two days before the election day to enjoy the actual election day as a holiday.

On a side note, did you know that even high school students could now cast a vote for parliamentary members?

This week, Jandi will share with you the norms of a voting day in Korea!

Where and when can people vote? — What to expect for this public holiday 

In Korea, political elections take place in public buildings such as schools, affiliated centers and community service centers. People can only vote in these registered constituencies. Voters can look online for the open poll sites within the district and the neighborhood, which is pretty convenient as the constituencies are featured on various map apps like Naver Map and Kakao Map during the campaign and the voting period.

The National Election Commission of the Republic of Korea, or the NEC, hosts the general election on the first Wednesday after the 50th day before the expiration of the term of office. This year, the 22nd general election for the National Assembly Elections is on April 10, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The early voting — also called pre-poll voting — period is open on April 5 and 6. This is when a lot of Koreans complete their civil duties so that they earn a full day off work or school on the actual voting day on Wednesday.

After the voting time is up on April 10, 6 p.m., the ballot counting starts at the nearby precincts assigned for vote tracking. The ballot counting records are broadcast on-air in real time so everyone can monitor them on television or online. The finalized results usually get revealed the following day morning.   

Who is eligible to vote?

Citizens above the age of 18 are eligible to vote — including some high school seniors (only those whose birthdays are before the election date) and overseas applicants. This year, approximately 150,000 overseas applicants registered for the elections, roughly taking up 7.6 percent of the estimated 1.97 million overseas voters.

The age limit was eased in 2020, welcoming 18-year-olds into the voting scene from the initial age limit of 19. Since the 21st National Assembly Election in April 2020, more students have gained the right to vote. Those born before April 11, 2006, can vote for this particular election! Approximately 400,000 high school seniors can exercise their right to vote in this general election, excluding those who took the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) last year.

To vote, everyone coming to the voting venue should bring documents or physical cards with their personal information, such as a civil ID card, passport, driver’s license or a school ID card if the voter is a student. 

Is there anything to keep in mind?

As students are fairly new to the voting group, the government is announcing measures for them to avoid mishandling the election rules.

One of the key reminders these young voters get is to not perform any campaign-related activities at school. Walking around classrooms with placards during lunchtime is prohibited. It is also strictly forbidden to name certain school clubs or activities to hint at their political preferences.

Not just for students but also for all voters, taking photos inside the polling booths is banned. However, voters are free to take photos in front of the building or advertising of who they voted for and post this on social media.   

What’s the fun voting culture in Korea?

Talking about taking photos, you have most likely run into, or will soon face, a plethora of posts with post-vote selfies and photos during the election period. In Korea, citizens cast a vote through a red-ink rubber stamp on paper ballots. This analog voting practice sparked a ‘ballot selfie’ culture in Korea.

A well-known “I voted” culture in the United States is a prime example. Americans get an “I voted” sticker once they cast a vote, which is frequently found on Instagram and X, formerly Twitter, as these platforms get flooded with people’s selfies where the stickers rest on their faces or arms.

Quite the same but different, Koreans leave a dent on the back of their hands with the rubber stamp, taking shots of their hands in front of the buildings they voted at. As uploading a picture of their hands is way less burdensome than posting their faces, such a post-vote-proof culture is deemed accessible and friendly for many Koreans.

Of course, some netizens, especially celebrities, take a full shot photo or a selfie standing near the building they voted at. Another interesting point is that some netizens indicate whom they voted for through their hand shapes, showing the candidate number their favorite politicians represent. But does this not cross the line of keeping political opinions to themselves?

Apparently not. Since 2017, supporting and revealing whom the people voted for via social media posts have become available except for political figures. The post-vote move has naturally gone viral as limitations were lifted allowing Koreans to express their political opinion both online and offline.

Snapping photos of actual ballot paper or the poll booth remains strictly prohibited.  

Why do Koreans go on a getaway trip on election day?

A lot of hustlers first get their civil duties done during the early voting period. Since the pre-poll period lasts two days, the early voters can save time and energy, skipping the need to wait in long lines at the poll booth on election day!

As the general election takes place in April, just when the flowers are blooming and the weather warms up, Koreans like to flock to other parts of the city to get the most out of this public holiday, or even go miles further to a rural area to get some fresh air. Some utilize this day to create a two- or three-day holiday, announcing work vacation around the election day.

What about you, Kampers? What are the voting cultures in your country? Share with us in the comments down below!

If you want to read more about the general elections in Korea, check out the news below!

- All you need to know about Korea's general election

- Early voting hits new high as general election gets under way

- General election leaflets omit party leaders, aim for centrist and undecided votes